Choosing Between Pneumatic and Cushion Tires
Forklift tires contribute significantly to your machine's safety and handling characteristics, as well as affecting maintenance expenses. The kind of forklift determines to a large extent the kind of tire since most forklifts are constructed with a specific frame that accepts just a specific type of tire. It helps to understand the properties of both pneumatic and cushion tires before selecting a tire.
Instructions
1 Check your forklift owner handbook for specifications concerning tires. Most likely your forklift would function either on cushion tires or pneumatic tires. This would limit your options to the type of tire for which the forklift frame is made.
2 Check the type of forklift. Electric pallet jack trucks and electric forklift trucks are usually made to use cushion tires that do not require a lot of friction. Pneumatic tires are usually used for forklifts which function on liquid propane gas or diesel.
3 Check the kind of terrain. Soft cushion tires are made for even terrain while pneumatic tires are best for rough grounds. Cushion tires, if utilized on uneven surface, can cause the forklift to get stuck as they are set lower. Pneumatic tires perform well on crushed concrete, gravel and packed stones but not on potholed surfaces and very rough grounds.
4 Make sure you know the space limitations. Forklifts utilized mostly for indoor applications should be able to turn in tight areas. Cushion tires really work better than pneumatic tires in those types of conditions.
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